Hunger Concert Showcases Some of Salve’s Most Talented

By: Jennifer Lunsford
Posted In: Entertainment

The annual Fall Festival Weekend Hunger Concert was held in Ochre Court Friday October 1. The proceeds of the concert went to benefit Aquidneck Island Soup Kitchens, exemplifying the Salve Regina University mission statement of striving to create a harmonious, merciful and just world.

If anyone had the unfortunate experience of arriving a few minutes past 8:00, when the concert was scheduled to start, they would have been distressed to find that every seat in Ochre Court was filled. This didn’t stop late arrivals from enjoying the show though; many stood in the back or went upstairs to watch from the balcony. Once the concert got underway, it was no wonder why so many had gathered in to see it. “It’s so nice the talent God has loaned to these men and women and they’re sharing it with us,” said Father Codega, commenting on how he was enjoying the performances.

The mansion’s white interior was softened with lights that splashed a rose hue across the walls. It created a beautifully elegant and simplistic backdrop to a brilliant succession of performances. Each soloist was greeted with applause as they approached the “stage” and then commended after their performances with cheers and a hearty ovation. The program offered an impressive variety of music, including rock, jazz and ballads. The range kept the show interesting and enjoyable. Don St. Jean, the Music Department Chair, said “It’s nice because there is always a lot of variety.” St. Jean also noted that the concert usually brings in about $800 to $1000 for the Hunger relief effort.

The Music Department runs the concert and holds auditions to decide who will perform. The well diversified concert can be attributed to the performers choosing their own songs; some students even performed original work. The talent of the students and faculty showed through with their stage presence and ability.

Just a few of the many talented performers were Andrea Lawrence with her song, I can’t make you love me, and Zo Crepeau who sang and played piano to, Why Don’t you do Right? The program offered some light hearted and comedic performances like Allison Moeller’s I’m Sorry, as well as an unannounced-and not to be soon forgotten-rendition of That’s Amore by Dr. Cowdin, George Luzitano, and Don St. Jean. The wonderful showcase of talent here at Salve was brought to a close with an energetic and lively performance of the Theme from The Pink Panther and You Can Leave Your Hat On by the University jazz ensemble.

Catherine Cummings, a senior at Salve, attended the concert with her parents and grandmother. They have gone to the concert for the past four years and Catherine’s mother has enjoyed it every year. “It’s great. It’s always been good. The best part is they seem to enjoy doing it so much,” she commented.

Salve junior, James Quaglieriello, performed the song Best Imitation of Myself and accompanied Anne Marie Clearly on guitar for her song, Someone to Watch over Me. Quaglieriello said, “I just love doing it, I just enjoy playing the music.” It is clear that the students, faculty and teachers involved with the concert had a lot of fun putting it together and performing, and the audience enjoyed the talent and enthusiasm.

The performers of the evenings shone brightly as they shared their musical gifts, but the real winners of the evening were the less fortunate who will now have a little something more thanks to the contributions of the music department putting together the show and the many families and students who attended. As the program explains, “This concert is dedicated to the relief of the needy and the spirit of generosity.”

The Music Department also holds a Christmas Concert, which will be on December 10-11th this year, and there will be a concert on February 6th as well. The programs promise to be varied and lively, and if the Hunger Concert is any indication of what to expect from the upcoming performances, be sure to attend, and get there early if you want a seat!